Administrative Continuity

Working Remotely

ITS provides a variety of services to connect you with the resources and community members you need to continue to perform many of the activities that you normally conduct on campus. There are several important components that you will need in order to successfully use them, including the following:

  • Laptop or desktop computer – including appropriate charger(s) and cables
  • Microphone – often built in to laptop computers, if using a desktop computer a USB microphone or headset may be required
  • Webcam – often built in to laptop computers or available as a USB peripheral device
  • Internet connection – a cable modem, DSL, or wireless hot spot using a smartphone with a cellular data plan (Colby issued smartphones can accommodate this)
  • If you require additional equipment at home such as a camera or microphone, contact the ITS Support Center at support@colby.edu or x4222.

Please review the following information as it pertains to your role and online activities. ITS will continue to update this site with helpful information on remote working as it becomes available.

Bringing your Colby desktop home

If you are required to bring your Colby desktop computer home, here are ITS recommended steps:

  1. Send an email to support@colby.edu with the location (building and room) you are removing the desktop system from and the CCID (blue barcode sticker) number of any Colby owned equipment you bring home.
  2. Take a picture of all your connections before disconnecting them.

    Rear inputs

    USB

    Power

  3. When setting up your desktop computer at home, refer to the picture taken in step 2 to reconnect all peripherals (power, monitor, keyboard, mouse, network, etc).
  4. When possible, use a wired connection to your home network.
  5. Always connect to the Colby VPN (see above).
  6. If you need assistance, please contact the ITS Support Center at 207-859-4222 or support@colby.edu

While your computer is off campus, Colby’s backup software (CrashPlan Pro) will continue to backup your computer.  To check the status of your backups please follow these steps:

Colby voicemail to email

If you would like your Colby voicemails sent to your email as audio file attachments, please send an email with your name and Colby extension to support@colby.edu.

Remote meetings/collaboration

Even though you are not in the office with your peers, you can facilitate remote meetings and group collaboration with Zoom, Google Hangouts Chat, or Google Hangouts Meet. Not sure which is right for you? Check this out.

Help with Google Hangouts Meet:

Connecting to the Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Most of Colby’s online resources do not require a VPN connection, however certain online resources like the file server and SSH (to CX/CARS) will require a connection through the Colby VPN. Steps to connect to the VPN and a list of services that do and do not require the VPN can be found here: https://www.colby.edu/its/virtual-private-network-vpn/

Accessing the fileserver (filer)

While connected to the VPN, you can connect to the fileserver (filer) from any computer to access work files. Steps can be found here: http://www.colby.edu/its/file-servers-access-and-details/

Redirecting your Colby phone number

You can redirect or forward phone calls coming into your Colby phone number to another number, like your home phone or cell phone. This can be programmed from your Colby telephone using the instructions shown below. If you are off campus and cannot access your office phone, contact the ITS support center at support@colby.edu to request the change be programmed for you.

Computer and Internet security when working remotely

Many of the same recommendations and guidelines for secure computing on campus are the same for off campus or remote work – especially if you are using your college-issued computer. Some aspects of information security become more important when working remotely – increased fraud and email phishing, ensuring your computer’s software is up to date, and appropriate use of the Colby VPN service all require more emphasis when you are away from campus.

All information security notices and recommendations can be found here:

https://www.colby.edu/its/informationsecurity